There are about as many ways to design and construct a greenhouse as there are plants to house within it. While there are numerous designs that you can choose from when buying a greenhouse, did you ever think about constructing one yourself? Designing your own greenhouse can be as difficult or as easy as you would like. There are a few factors to think about when planning out your greenhouse design; after all, you are the one designing it.

1. Shape – The big hit in greenhouse design today is the pyramid shape. What this shape provides is a close proximity to a direct 90-degree angle to the sun when the sun is hanging low in the sky. There are also other shapes such as the traditional greenhouse shape, the lean-to and even the dome. While most of the sunlight reflects off of the roof, the sidewalls are what allow most of the light in. The closer you are to a 90-degree angle to the sun, the more light will be let in during peak times.

2. Size – The size of your greenhouse is a definite factor in design. Depending on the shape, it may or may not be feasible to build a greenhouse with both the size and shape that you desire. For instance, it would take a lot more room to build a larger pyramid shaped greenhouse than it would a traditional one. If you are just looking for a small space to grow a few plants, then just about any shape of greenhouse would work for you.

3. Materials – The materials used to design and build the greenhouse are extremely important. Some designs incorporate a wood and glass frame with a metal roof while others are made completely of opaque plastic greenhouse panels. Once again, size may be the determining factor on what types of materials you can and cannot use to design your greenhouse. The bigger the greenhouse, the more structural materials you will need to use; as it becomes more like a building, it will need to be constructed more like an actual building.

4. Space – While you might have dreams of grandeur and quarter acre greenhouses, your allotted land, the state government, due to the physical size of your back yard, might not be so accommodating. Take a look at the space you have to build on and ask yourself how much room you really have to take on this project.

While you can always purchase a pre-made greenhouse, think of how much more you would appreciate the space if you built your own. As sure as the sun sets, you will take great delight in growing something beautiful in the building you designed and put together. Who said you couldn’t have a do-it-yourself designer greenhouse?